Chapter 211: Lying Through Your Teeth

"RUTHIE IS A FORCE of nature, Tru," said Phoebe. "There was no way to avoid involving that girl."

The weight room's overhead lights flickered with foreboding. We glanced around, wondering what was going on, but then they stopped.

Regret etched lines into Maverick's face. "I'm sorry, guys," he said, hanging his head. "I let my guard down, and now ..."

His thoughts were easy to deduce. He was assuming the blame. He had allowed himself a little fun - at a high school dance no less - and therefore, Ruthie had been abducted.

But it wasn't his fault. No matter what Phoebe said, I knew the fault was all mine.

"It's okay, man," said Zander. "We'll get her back. But first, can you tell us what happened?"

Maverick nodded, deep lines forming between his eyes. "I walked Ruthie to the restroom and went to the men's room. Two guys jumped me inside. I didn't even get to take a swing." He took a deep breath and ran both hands over his pale face. "Before the lights went out, they said somethin